Installing and Running Scripts in Adobe Illustrator
Unlock the full potential of Adobe Illustrator by integrating scripts into your design process. This guide walks you through preparing, installing, and executing scripts, enabling you to automate repetitive tasks and enhance your creative workflow.
Table of content
➊ Preparing the Script
➋ Locating the Scripts Folder
➌ Installing the Script
➍ Running the Script in Illustrator
Requirements for Using Adobe Illustrator Scripts
| Operating System: | Windows, macOS. |
| Software Requirements: | Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later. |
| Illustrator Script File: | .jsx file format. |
| Hardware Requirements: |
PC: Multi-core processor with 64-bit support. |
| RAM: | Minimum 8 GB; recommended 16 GB or more for handling large documents. |
ⓘ Adobe Illustrator scripts are usually run smoothly, but for more complex scripts, having a well-equipped computer can help everything run more efficiently.
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➊ Preparing the Script
File Format: Ensure the script file is in .jsx, .js or .jsxbin format, as these are the formats supported by Adobe Illustrator.
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➋ Locating the Scripts Folder
To install a .jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:
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MacOS:
Open Finder and navigate to:
Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts. -
Windows:
Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts - Replace <Version> with your Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
- Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).
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➌ Installing the Script
- Copy the Script File: Copy the .jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
- On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
- Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.
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➍ Running the Script in Illustrator
Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active. Select one of the described methods to execute the script:
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🅰 Using the Scripts Menu
- Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
- If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
- Click the script name to run it.
- Alternatively, select File > Scripts > Other Script… to browse and run a script located anywhere on your computer.
- The script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.
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🅱 Dragging and Dropping
This is a quick and easy method that doesn’t require installing the script in Illustrator’s Scripts folder.
- While Adobe Illustrator is open, locate the .jsx script file on your computer.
- Drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the active Illustrator document.
- The script will execute immediately. If the script includes a UI, it will display any dialog boxes.
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🅲 Using Third-Party Script Launchers
Third-party script launchers streamline the process of managing and running scripts, offering additional flexibility and organization. Some popular options include:
- SPAi Scripts Panel (MacOS)
- Scripshon Trees (MacOS, Windows)
- JSX Launcher (MacOS, Windows)
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⚠︎ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.
In the event that Adobe Illustrator freezes or encounters an error during script execution, having a saved version will prevent any loss of progress and protect your creative efforts.
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☻ Congratulations!
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You’re now equipped with all the knowledge to install and run Illustrator scripts seamlessly.
By automating repetitive tasks, you can save time and focus on unleashing your creativity. Explore our website for an extensive collection of additional scripts to further enhance your creative process!
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